"The Line Becomes a River" by Francisco Cantú is an intimate and powerful memoir that offers a rare and haunting glimpse into the harsh reality of the U.S.-Mexico border. Cantú, a former border patrol agent, shares his deeply personal story and wrestles with the complex moral and ethical dilemmas he encountered while enforcing immigration laws.

Through sparse and evocative prose, Cantú presents a firsthand account of the desperate migrants risking their lives to cross the treacherous desert, and the dangerous criminals he detained. He humanizes the individuals behind the headlines, exploring their stories of hope, desperation, and heartbreak.

But the narrative doesn't stop at the border. Cantú delves into the aftermath of his experiences, grappling with the traumatic toll they took on his own mental and emotional wellbeing. He contemplates his role as an enforcer of policies he begins to question, as he witnesses the tragic consequences of a broken immigration system.

"The Line Becomes a River" serves as a potent examination of the personal and political implications of border control. Cantú challenges conventional narratives, encouraging readers to consider the humanity and complexities at stake. It's a thought-provoking exploration of identity, empathy, and the harsh realities faced by those on both sides of the border.